The Mechanic
I think that Charles Bronson all too often gets snubbed by my generation. I mentioned him at a party a few months back and everyone in the conversation laughed. When I stood firm on my belief that he was a great action star in his day someone challenged the idea he was ever viable. Well, The Mechanic is further proof that when directed well Bronson was great. Its too bad that Jan Michael Vincent is SUCH A TOOL. He nearly ruins the film with what can only be described as the most stiff performance I've seen in a long time. The first 15 minutes are pretty stellar with a cleverly designed and executed assassination. Totally worth a look.
Grade B
Triad Election (Election 2)
Dir. Johnny To
I think Election is a much stronger overall film, but this touches on some cool ideas. Still, neither wowed me the way Infernal Affairs did all those years ago. Johnny To has yet to earn his reputation in my book yet. He's decent, but not worth the hype.
Grade B
Get Carter (1971)
Dir. Mike Hodges
This film wowed me for a second time. It takes its time, builds the tension and the release is great. This film succeeds where I maintain Brick fails. It has an intriguing set up, pulls you along very well, all the time leaving these tasty morsels of information like bread crumbs for the audience to follow, but always just enough to keep you wanting more, but never enough to get ahead. Then when its time to unveil the big secret, its a REAL kick in the teeth. And the way Hodges delivers the goods is brilliant. Its worth all the trouble, and then some. Plus, Caine is such a charismatic bastard you can't help but love him, even when he's hitting women, knifing people and being a self proclaimed villain. While this isn't as stylish as Hodges later gangster flick I'll Sleep When I'm Dead, this is good. Strike that, its great.
Grade A-